Common Pedestrian Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Pedestrian injuries can be very traumatic, cause major injuries, and result in death. This is because most accidents are when vehicles hit pedestrians while traveling at high rate of speed, leaving the victim with no physical protection.
 
In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in accidents in the U.S. while almost 129,000 pedestrians suffered non-fatal injuries. Since 2015, there has been an increase of pedestrian accidents each year.
 
While accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians are on the rise, there are steps you can take to help prevent and avoid these types of accidents.
 

Common Pedestrian Injuries

 
If you have been hit by a vehicle, it is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For some victims, some injuries do not present symptoms immediately, which can then be detrimental once the injury is discovered and some time has passed. Common pedestrian injuries to look out for include:

• Cuts, scrapes, lacerations, and bruising;
• Brain injuries such as concussion, swelling, and brain bleeds can lead to a traumatic brain injury;
• Fractures or broken bones;
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to immobility or paralyzation;
• Torn ligaments;
• Amputations of limbs;
• Death.

 

Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents

 
Even if you have the right of way, not all drivers will be paying attention to you or the road. Because of this reason, it is important to remember some tips to minimize the chances of being involved in a potentially deadly accident. Here are some steps pedestrians can do to avoid contact with a distracted driver. Consider the following:
 

1. Poorly Lit Areas

Increase your visibility by wearing easy to see, reflective, or bright clothing at night or in poorly lit areas and by carrying a flashlight.
 

2. Crosswalks

Cross the street within the designated crosswalk or intersection. Make sure to listen and adhere to the pedestrian signals that are being prompted. Even when you get the signal to cross, always check to see if any vehicles are approaching before proceeding.
 

3. Sidewalks

It is always recommended to use the sidewalk or designated walkway. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the right shoulder facing traffic.
 

4. Make Eye Contact

Never assume the driver of the vehicle will yield to your right of way. Attempt to make contact before crossing, even if your signal indicates its your turn to cross the street.
 

5. Avoid Distractions

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid looking down at your phone or wearing headphones that could impair your vision or hearing.
 

Find An Experienced Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

 
One of the most common types of cases that that the lawyers at Sweet Law Group handle are collisions between pedestrians and vehicles. With over 40 years of legal experience, our firm is dedicated in seeking justice and recover the compensation deserved.
 
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident and have been injured, call our injury lawyers today at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation.